GIVING TO CHARITIES SERVES MAJOR NEEDS

When economic times are good, charitable organizations should be among those who benefit, or so it would seem. Indeed, the latest figures for the 400 largest charities in the United States show sizable gains in some categories. But officials with groups that mainly provide aid to individuals say it is hard to keep up with inflation in many instances, in spite of the nation's prosperity in general.

At the top of the list for charitable organizations is the Salvation Army, which received $1 billion in donations in 1996, the year for the which the latest figures are available. It received more than twice as much as the next largest charity, the American Red Cross. No. 3 on the list is the American Cancer Society.

All of these top three charities are well known for their efforts to deal with human needs in time of crisis. In particular, the Salvation Army has a knack for turning just about every cent it gets into assistance in some form.

The three biggest charities also have a strong presence in most U.S. communities, including Cape Girardeau. Each makes a big push to ease suffering in its own way, and generous supporters give accordingly.

Among the biggest charitable organizations nationwide are universities. Emory, Stanford and Harvard lead that list. Here at home, the Southeast Missouri State University Foundation continues to grow and have an important role in generating needed funding for many university-related projects.

With autumn comes the traditional season for giving that generally culminates with Christmas. Many organizations will be asking for special donations in the weeks ahead. By and large, Southeast Missourians have been willing to open their pocketbooks and their checkbooks to support the important work of all these various agencies.

And the United Way, seeking to reach its largest goal ever, has passed the halfway mark and is confident it will be successful by the time the current campaign ends.

Each dollar of giving to charitable organizations is one way of making sure the needy are cared for and tended to. In addition, each dollar of charitable giving is one less reason for government to step in when people have special needs.

During this time of national prosperity, it can be hoped that Americans will be more generous than ever in supporting their favorite causes. The need exists, and the dollars are necessary.